Security Officer

High Plains Mental Health Center•Hays, KS

10h•Onsite

About The Position

High Plains Mental Health Center is launching one of Kansas’ first Crisis Intervention Centers and is seeking a Security Officer to be part of this groundbreaking journey. This center will play a vital role in transforming mental health care across northwest Kansas, easing the burden on local hospitals and law enforcement, shortening inpatient waitlists, and providing local access to critical mental health care for those in need. This will be a 24/7 inpatient facility. The Security Officer will monitor and maintain the safety and security of the inpatient unit through scheduled rounds, surveillance systems, and direct observation. They will maintain a calm, professional presence to promote a safe and respectful environment for patients, staff, and visitors. The role involves assisting in the de-escalation of agitated or distressed individuals using non-physical, trauma-informed strategies, and responding to and preventing incidents such as patient elopement, aggressive behavior, or unauthorized access, following established protocols. Collaboration with clinical and direct care teams to support safe patient management, including room checks and visitor monitoring, is essential. The Security Officer will conduct controlled entry screenings and searches of patients and visitors in compliance with center policies, enforce facility rules and regulations consistently and fairly, and identify and report contraband, hazardous items, or safety risks in alignment with facility procedures. Accurate, timely shift documentation, including incident reports and activity logs, and coordination with local law enforcement and emergency services as needed are also key responsibilities.

Requirements

Must be at least 21 years old and possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
Must be physically capable of ensuring personal safety in potentially high-pressure or crisis situations.
The ability to maintain physical readiness and stamina to respond effectively to crisis calls is required.
Must pass all required background checks (KBI, KDADS, etc).
Must maintain a valid driver's license; [MVR will be checked].
Must be physically & mentally capable of working in high-pressure situations and responding to emergencies.
Must pass a pre-employment drug screening; subject to random drug testing.

Nice To Haves

Preferred experience in security, corrections, or working with individuals struggling with their mental health.

Responsibilities

Monitor and maintain the safety and security of the inpatient unit through scheduled rounds, surveillance systems, and direct observation.
Maintain a calm, professional presence to promote a safe and respectful environment for patients, staff, and visitors.
Assist in the de-escalation of agitated or distressed individuals using non-physical, trauma-informed strategies.
Respond to and prevent incidents such as patient elopement, aggressive behavior, or unauthorized access, following established protocols.
Collaborate with clinical and direct care teams to support safe patient management, including room checks and visitor monitoring.
Conduct controlled entry screenings and searches of patients and visitors in compliance with center policies.
Enforce facility rules and regulations consistently and fairly.
Identify and report contraband, hazardous items, or safety risks in alignment with facility procedures.
Maintain accurate, timely shift documentation, including incident reports and activity logs.
Coordinate with local law enforcement and emergency services as needed.

Benefits

Competitive Pay: from $22-25 per hour [earn $1-$3 more per hour with shift differentials!]
$500 SIGN-ON BONUS
Excellent Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
Paid Time Off & Extended Illness Time
403(b) Plan
KPERS Retirement Plan
Supplemental Benefits
HSA & FSA
7 Paid Holidays
Holiday pay [holiday pay in addition to any hours worked; our Center recognizes 7 holidays]
Scholarship, work-study, & internship opportunities for employees